Coach Gallo (right) with a player following a game this season (Photo by A. McCraner)

John Brodbeck

Sports Information Director

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Holy Cross men's soccer coach Omar Gallowas announced on Tuesday afternoon by the Tourbeau Sports Group (TSG) as the inaugural head coach of the Tourbeau Soccer Evolution Academy. The Tourbeau Soccer Evolution Academy is a selected group of graduating seniors at the NAIA men's soccer level who are believed to be the best-of-the-best in this year's class. Every player picked to take part in this year's event are either NAIA All-Americans, Conference Players of the Year or First Team All-Conference players.

"We are very excited to have Coach Gallo join our technical staff and lead this group of extremely talented players for the inaugural Tourbeau Soccer Evolution Academy Class Tour," said TSG President, Chase Neidig. "Omar is an up-and-coming coach in collegiate soccer, understands the game well and is extremely passionate about the development of players moving onto the professional level."

Coach Gallo most recently wrapped up his second season as the Saints men's soccer coach where he guided the team to its most successful season in program history. At the conclusion of 2013, the Saints won a program-best 14 games, made their second consecutive playoff appearance in the CCAC, had four players named to all-conference teams, including the Freshman of the Year, and advanced to the conference championship game. In addition, two of Gallo's senior captains were named to All-Mideast Region teams voted on by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). In just two years as head coach, Gallo has become the all-time winningest coach in Holy Cross men's soccer history with an overall record of 23-13-3.

Last winter, Gallo and two players were invited to the Tourbeau College Soccer Showcase in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was there where Gallo got acquainted with TSG President Chase Neidig.

"We first identified Coach Gallo when he was selected to coach at our annual pro soccer combine in Orange Beach, Alabama," continued Neidig. "From there, he showed a unique interest in what we do at the Tourbeau Sports Group and we believe that his hard work, energetic personality and touch to connect with collegiate athletes will pay off as he leads this team against professional clubs on tour."

The schedule of events includes a 12-day US-based tour from March 4-16. During those 12 days, the team will travel the East Coast and play five to seven friendlies versus US-based professional teams during their pre-season campaigns. The opportunity and challenge to coach a group of the top NAIA players against several professional teams has Gallo excited.

"From a personal standpoint, I am extremely honored to be selected as the head coach to run inaugural NAIA all-star team," Gallo stated. "The Tourbeau Sports Group is a first class organization that is led by an individual, Chase Neidig, who puts the players first. For the top players in the NAIA to play seven professional teams will be a great experience. It will also allow these young men to see what it will take to get to the next level.

"From a coaching standpoint, it is clear that the list of players associated with this team speaks for itself," Gallo continued. "It's now up to me to put the pieces together on the field and allow them to compete at the highest level they can. At the end of the day, it would be brilliant to win a few games. More importantly, if we can get a few of these players noticed by these professional teams it would be a success. I would again like to thank the Tourbeau Sports Group for this opportunity and having the trust in me to lead this list of successful soccer players."